Some of us have work to do, others talk about art

MORPH “FLASH MOB” TRIBUTE TO TONY

Fans ofTony Hartgathered outside Tate Modern yesterday to pay tribute to the DIY art enthusiast, who died earlier this year. Over 200 people turned up to build a plasticine army of Morphs, some of which rode skateboards or read newspapers. One wore a black armband as a mark of respect.

Hart’s daughter, Carolyn Williams, came down to Bankside to judge Best Morph in Show. A Morph holding a pink carnation scooped the prize. Williams was particularly please to learn the “flash mob” tribute had been organised via Facebook. She said:

This is exactly what he was all about. Getting people together to join in and make a picture, to make something. It’s so great.

Hart inspired so many children – and parents – to get their hands dirty and start making art. I used to make my own Morphs out of smelly, dry, months-old plasticine, and I think this tribute is a great way to put the new flash mob trend to use.

When John William Waterhouse’s 1896 painting was taken off the walls of Manchester Art Gallery, furious critics described it as censorship or a publicity stunt. That couldn’t be further from the truth, says the artist at the centre of the stormWhen John William Waterhouse’s painting Hylas and the Nymphs was removed from the walls of the Manchester Art Galler […]